WA Snowmobiler Survives Avalanche

Slide caught on video

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A Washington State man narrowly survived an avalanche on Saturday only after his friends reacted quickly and dug him out. John Swanson was snowmobiling with a group in Washington's Stampede Pass when another rider set off an avalanche above him. Working quickly—and rolling video—Swanson's friends uncovered his helmet and cleared snow away from his face. "I knew that these guys were looking," Swanson said. "It quickly becomes a reality that time is of the essence when you're there." He escaped with minor injuries.